The penalty relegated Portuguesa to Brazil's second tier and spared Fluminense the drop for only the second time in their history.

In handing down his decision, judge Marcello do Amaral said Portuguesa had not been properly notified of the ineligibility of midfielder Heverton in the final match of the season on December 8.

"This (issue) does a disservice to Brazilian football," the court said in a statement.

"It generates uncertainty and instability for the organization of competitions, causes serious financial losses to clubs and fans, without mentioning the effect it has on Brazil's credibility on the eve of the World Cup."

The court also returned four points to Flamengo, who had also been docked points for fielding a suspended player.

The Brazilian Football Confederation is expected to appeal against the decision.(IANS)